Match preview

London Irish 12 v 13 Bath Rugby

29 October 2011, KO 14:30

Hooper back to lead Bath Rugby

Club captain, Stuart Hooper will lead Bath Rugby tomorrow against London Irish, as he makes his first start since the game against Exeter Chiefs in September.

Hooper partners the returning Dave Attwood in the second row. Nathan Catt and Anthony Perenise scrum down on either side of the front row, with Lee Mears making his first start of the season at hooker.

Simon Taylor returns to the back row at number 8, with Ben Skirving shifting to the blindside, and Guy Mercer coming onto the openside.

Michael Claassens and Sam Vesty both return to the starting line-up, renewing their half-back partnership. In the back line, Matt Carraro partners Matt Banahan in the centre, Nick Abendanon reverts to full back and Tom Biggs lines up on the opposite wing to Olly Woodburn.